272 
RuStic A dornmerits. 
forming mounds of soil, interspersed with burrs and stones or tree roots, 
for almost all kinds of ferns. It is impossible for us to lay down rules 
suitable for every case, but if the main points regarding light and shade, 
absence from sun, and provision for moisture are observed, the reader will 
not go far wrong in selecting a suitable position. 
The materials required for the construction of a fernery are burrs, sand¬ 
stone, limestone, ragstone, Pulhamite rock, and tree stumps and roots. Burrs 
are accessible to almost everyone, being easily obtained as a rule from a 
neighbouring brickfield. They have, however, a decided artificial appearance, 
and do not harmonize so well with the ferns as do sandstone or, say, Kentish 
rag. Still, where expense is a great consideration, this defect must be over¬ 
looked and an endeavour made to use them in such a way as to minimize their 
ugliness. For example, use them as sparingly as possible, and then always 
expose their most rugged surface to view, hiding the objectionable portions in 
the earth, and when fixed in position, wash the exposed surface with liquid 
cement, afterwards dusting it whilst moist with red sand. This simple device 
will greatly improve the appearance of burrs, and make them harmonize 
better with the ferns. Sandstone is the best material, both for appearance 
and for keeping the soil cool and moist in its vicinity. But, except in districts 
where it abounds, it is an expensive material. Almost any kind of limestone 
is suitable ; indeed it is indispensable for growing ferns obtained from 
limestone districts. Ragstone, again, is specially suitable, the roots of most 
ferns delighting to push their way beneath its cool, moist base. Although 
we have mentioned these stones as specially desirable, it by no means follows 
that others are unsuitable. Those who happen to live in districts where stones 
other than those described abound should certainly not pass these over, but 
make use of them to the best advantage. Where expense is no object, and 
sandstone is difficult to obtain, recourse should be had to Pulhamite rock, an 
artificial stone manufactured by Messrs. Pulham and Son, of Broxbourne, 
Herts. It is a wonderfully good imitation of natural stone, and is employed 
on an extensive scale for rock scenery in almost all the leading gardens and 
parks in this country. Lastly, there are tree stumps and roots. These 
answer the purpose better than rock when the fernery is to be formed in a 
wood or in close association with trees. We have seen some very pic¬ 
turesque ferneries composed of tree roots, rough branches, and roots, with 
the taller and more vigorous ferns, accompanied with foxgloves, epilobiums, 
solidagos, mulleins, and other woodland plants growing between and among 
